The Praça do Comércio (commerce square) was the centerpiece of the reconstruction that took place after the earthquake of 1755 had reduced Lisbon to rubble.The centerpiece of the Praça do Comércio is the equestrian statue of José I (Joseph I), created by Joaquim Machado de Castro, one of Portugal's most famous sculptors. The bronze statue, inaugurated in 1775, shows the king on a horse trampling snakes. The statue is set on a monumental pedestal decorated with large sculpture groups and overlooks the majestic square.